Interesting thought exercise about why we love skiing

Hey everybody!

For one of my university courses, I am writing a paper about people's ideas about winter and risk when skiing. This is one of those social science courses where next to anything goes, as long as the argument is sound. I can and will write about my own personal opinion, but my professor has recommended I consult other enthusiasts on internet forums to get a more complete answer. Essentially, I'm writing about why people like skiing. Enough of my rambling... my questions to you are: (1) Why do you love winter?/What about winter do you love? (2) What do you like about taking risks while skiing?
Anything goes! I'd love to hear stories, feelings, or whatever. As long as it is related to skiing.

Thanks, folks!

Hi, i don't actually like winter, what I like is the snow. It makes me feel like a kid again, its just good fun in the snow. As for taking risks, I don't really take any, but I do enjoy boarding down a steepish slope and the speed you can do certainly gets the adrenalin pumping.
The views are spectacular, the sun is out and the air is fresh, what more could you ask for ?

Hi Nick,
Over three years ago I introduced the thread below. It didn't refer to risk, but it will give a lot of answers on why people ski/board. Many of the answers include reflections of winter.
http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/6647.page

"winter": I like the warm sun in the day and the cosy bars in the evening. As someone lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the Alps, I and my friends who are in a similar situation do not ski when it is cold and snowing. Most of the time skiing in the Alps is sunny and at my favourite resort you find people have taken the lift for the sole purpose of sitting in deck chairs sunbathing. It is true that if you are based in UK and book a week, you are subject to luck with the weather, and may be faced with the choice of skiing in wintry weather or not getting much skiing done.

I have never been cold on a ski slope, but I have been (when touring) sweating in T-shirt and jeans. So for me a lot of the reason for skiing is to get away from cold, damp, windy English winter and get some sun without the inconvenience of travelling to southern hemisphere. Sure you can do that in the Costas, but the the white mountains are very pretty, especially when the peaks are gold with sunset.

Risk? I do not like anything about taking risks. I ski slowly when people are around. You can still get into trouble, especially if you fall on a steep slope. Like driving a car the biggest risk is from the other idiots! No one enjoys the serious risk of seeing an out-of-control skiier or boarder heading your way. You minimise risk. The second biggest risk is skiing tired. So I don't, I spend enough time hanging out in ski huts, and I don't OD on alcohol when there. I end the ski day when too tired to ski safely, and this moment comes faster when the snow is difficult.

Well almost polar to above. Of course I love those spring days with clear skies but for me skiing is about anticipation. Leaving the bar and it is dumping. Being woken 4-5am with street being cleared by digger and you know without opening curtains is going to be a big day. 6am get up, venture out to get breakfast and bread for lunch. Is cold, you know snow is going to be light. 7:50 bus to get to GM or a short walk to the midi to ensure your on the first bin up. Your head tells you no way anything will open before 10 but you go and wait, better to wait the ski in other people tracks.

Waiting for snow to settle after big storm. Atmosphere building in town as everyone knows something special will happen when re-opens.

Skinning up, feeling the snow beneath your skis and knowing run down is going to be awesome.

Is deep, straight line count to 2 and put in first turn. Deeper than you thought and pick up speed fast as didn't put enough effort into first one ?. Put more effort into 2nd one and get first face shot. Finding that rhythm where you are bouncing turn to turn.

As for risk, try not to participate in that one. Same as climbing you are not pushing it if you never fall but you should always have a rope.

I love the cold weather and crisp snow

Ps Don't really take too many risks whilst skiing why should I, I have go back to work :thumbup:

I've often asked myself the same question. Three things for me:
1.I love skiing fast on empty slopes. It brings a smile to my face and still makes me feel like a 18 year old (which was a long long time ago).
2. I love the scenery, I never get tired of standing at the top of the lift on a clear day and admiring the view of snow capped mountains.
3. I never think about work, too busy skiing or having a beer in the bar afterwards. Unlike a beach holiday where your mind has time to wander back to the office!

Cooper1590 wrote:I've often asked myself the same question. Three things for me:
1.I love skiing fast on empty slopes. It brings a smile to my face and still makes me feel like a 18 year old (which was a long long time ago).
2. I love the scenery, I never get tired of standing at the top of the lift on a clear day and admiring the view of snow capped mountains.
3. I never think about work, too busy skiing or having a beer in the bar afterwards. Unlike a beach holiday where your mind has time to wander back to the office!

Perfectly put